The course is designed for classical music enthusiasts, musicians, and anyone interested in learning about the creative process behind Beethoven's piano sonatas.
The course is divided into six weeks, with each week dedicated to exploring different sonatas. The sonatas covered in this course include Op. 10 No. 2, Op. 13 ("Pathétique"), Op. 14 No. 1, Op. 22, Op. 26, Op. 27 No. 2 ("Moonlight"), Op. 28 ("Pastoral"), Op. 31 No. 1, Op. 31 No. 2 ("Tempest"), and Op. 49 Nos. 1 and 2.
Throughout the course, students will delve into the history and context behind each sonata, examine Beethoven's musical style and technique, and analyze key musical elements such as harmony, melody, and form. The course also includes video lectures, interactive assignments, and performance demonstrations by Biss himself.
By the end of the course, students will have a deeper understanding of Beethoven's piano sonatas and the composer's creative process, as well as an appreciation for the beauty and complexity of classical music.
Course Content:
Exploring Beethoven's Piano Sonatas Part 3 is a six-week online course on Coursera taught by pianist and Beethoven expert Jonathan Biss. The course includes the following:
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Six parts, each dedicated to exploring different sonatas:
- Week 1: Op. 10 No. 2 (3 video lectures)
- Week 2: Op. 13 ("Pathétique") (3 video lectures)
- Week 3: Op. 14 No. 1 (3 video lectures)
- Week 4: Op. 22 (2 video lectures)
- Week 5: Op. 26 (3 video lectures)
- Week 6: Op. 27 No. 2 ("Moonlight"), Op. 28 ("Pastoral"), Op. 31 No. 1, Op. 31 No. 2 ("Tempest"), and Op. 49 Nos. 1 and 2 (5 video lectures)
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In total, there are 19 video lectures in the course.
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Each week includes interactive assignments and quizzes to test and reinforce students' understanding.
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The course also includes performance demonstrations by Biss himself.
Overall, the course includes a total of 19 video lectures, and numerous quizzes and assignments throughout the six weeks.
Reviews:
Exploring Beethoven's Piano Sonatas Part 3 is a high-quality course that is designed to provide an in-depth exploration of Beethoven's piano sonatas. The course is taught by Jonathan Biss, who is a renowned pianist and Beethoven expert.
One of the strengths of this course is Biss's ability to present complex musical concepts in an accessible way. He uses a combination of video lectures, interactive quizzes, and performance demonstrations to engage students and help them deepen their understanding of the material. The video lectures are clear, concise, and well-organized, and they cover a range of topics, including the history and context behind each sonata, Beethoven's musical style and technique, and key musical elements such as harmony, melody, and form.
Another strength of this course is the quality of the interactive assignments and quizzes. The assignments are designed to help students test their understanding of the material and apply what they've learned to real-world examples. The quizzes provide students with immediate feedback on their progress, and they are a great way to reinforce the material covered in the video lectures.
Perhaps the most valuable aspect of this course is the opportunity to learn from a world-class musician like Jonathan Biss. He provides performance demonstrations of each sonata, which allows students to see and hear how the music should be played. He also shares his own insights and interpretations of the music, which can help students develop their own critical listening skills.
Overall, Exploring Beethoven's Piano Sonatas Part 3 is an excellent course that is well-suited for both novice and experienced classical music enthusiasts. It provides a thorough and engaging exploration of Beethoven's piano sonatas, and it offers valuable insights into the history, context, and musical elements that make these works so compelling.
At the time, the course has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on over 104 ratings.
What you'll learn:
After completing Exploring Beethoven's Piano Sonatas Part 3 on Coursera, students will have developed a range of skills related to their understanding and appreciation of Beethoven's piano sonatas. Some of the key skills that students can expect to gain from this course include:
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Enhanced critical listening skills: Students will learn how to listen to Beethoven's piano sonatas with a more discerning ear, picking up on the nuances of the music and the various musical elements that Beethoven employs in his compositions.
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Deeper knowledge of music history and theory: Through the course's video lectures and interactive quizzes, students will gain a deeper understanding of the history and context behind Beethoven's piano sonatas, as well as key musical concepts such as harmony, melody, and form.
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Improved musical performance skills: By watching Jonathan Biss's performance demonstrations of each sonata, students will gain insight into how to play the music with technical accuracy and interpretive sensitivity.
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Stronger critical thinking and analysis skills: The course's interactive assignments and quizzes require students to analyze the music in depth and apply what they have learned to real-world examples. This helps students develop their critical thinking skills and their ability to analyze and interpret complex musical works.
Overall, completing Exploring Beethoven's Piano Sonatas Part 3 will equip students with a deeper appreciation of Beethoven's music and the skills to critically analyze and perform it. These skills can be applied to other musical works as well, making the course a valuable learning experience for any classical music enthusiast or aspiring musician.
Author:
Jonathan Biss is a world-renowned pianist, composer, and teacher who is known for his deep knowledge and understanding of classical music, particularly the works of Beethoven. Born in 1980 in Bloomington, Indiana, Biss began playing the piano at a young age and quickly showed exceptional talent. He went on to study at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia and later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Columbia University.
Biss has been praised for his technical virtuosity, musical sensitivity, and interpretive depth. He has performed with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the London Symphony Orchestra. He has also released numerous recordings of classical music, including several acclaimed albums featuring the music of Beethoven.
In addition to his performing career, Biss is also an accomplished teacher and music educator. He has served as artist-in-residence at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, NJ, and he is currently on the faculty of the Curtis Institute of Music.
Biss's expertise in Beethoven's music is particularly noteworthy. He has written extensively about Beethoven's piano sonatas, and his insights into the composer's life and work have been widely praised. In addition to his work as a performer and teacher, Biss is also an author, having published two books on the subject of music: "Beethoven's Shadow" and "A Pianist Under the Influence."
Overall, Jonathan Biss is a highly respected figure in the world of classical music, known for his technical skill, musical sensitivity, and deep knowledge of Beethoven's music. His expertise and insights have made him a sought-after performer, teacher, and author, and his contributions to the field of classical music have been widely recognized and celebrated.
Requirements:
The requirements for Exploring Beethoven's Piano Sonatas Part 3 by Jonathan Biss on Coursera are fairly minimal, as the course is designed to be accessible to a wide range of students with varying levels of musical experience. However, there are a few basic requirements that students should be aware of before enrolling in the course. These include:
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Access to a piano or keyboard: While it is not strictly necessary to have a piano or keyboard to complete the course, students who are serious about learning and practicing Beethoven's piano sonatas will benefit greatly from having regular access to an instrument.
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A basic understanding of music theory: While the course does not assume any prior knowledge of music theory, students who are familiar with basic concepts such as harmony, melody, and form will find it easier to follow along with the lectures and assignments.
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A willingness to listen and engage with the music: As a course focused on exploring Beethoven's piano sonatas, "Exploring Beethoven's Piano Sonatas Part 3" requires students to engage deeply with the music and to approach it with an open and curious mind.
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A reliable internet connection: As the course is delivered entirely online, students will need a reliable internet connection in order to access the course materials and complete assignments.
Overall, the requirements for Exploring Beethoven's Piano Sonatas Part 3 are fairly minimal, and the course is designed to be accessible to a wide range of students. However, students who are serious about learning and practicing Beethoven's music will benefit greatly from having regular access to a piano or keyboard, as well as a basic understanding of music theory.
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